Ten Hag fighting for support of Man United players – sources،
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is battling to keep key players after the 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United, sources have told ESPN.
A group within the first team are disillusioned after a 10th defeat of the season at St James' Park on Saturday.
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A number of players remain behind Ten Hag and his team, but there are fears within the club that the mood in the dressing room could drop further unless there is an upturn in form soon. United face crucial matches against Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Liverpool over the next two weeks.
Among the issues raised privately by some players are Ten Hag's intense training sessions since the preparatory tour to the United States and what are seen as cavalier tactics that left the team open, particularly during the draw 3-3 against Galatasaray and the defeat at Newcastle.
Ten Hag, according to a source, tried to calm the atmosphere within the team by supporting his players in public despite some poor individual performances.
He refused to criticize goalkeeper Andre Onana for his mistakes against Galatasaray and also offered support to Marcus Rashford after his lackluster display against Newcastle.
According to a source, some staff members feel that certain players do not respond well to criticism, particularly comments made in public.
It is worth noting, according to a source, that Lisandro Martínez, a staunch Ten Hag supporter, was back in the first team squad despite his injury.
Martinez is recovering from a second operation to correct a foot problem and is not expected to return to action until Christmas, but the Argentina defender was pictured watching training at Carrington.
A source told ESPN that Ten Hag missed Martinez and Casemiro's influence in the locker room while both men were injured. Casemiro is also expected to be out until after Christmas while he recovers from a hamstring problem.
Off the pitch, a source told ESPN that Sir Jim Ratcliffe's proposed investment was unlikely to be confirmed this week.
Ratcliffe and INEOS, his chemical company, are set to acquire a 25% stake in the club while also taking influence over the sporting side of the business.
Sources told ESPN that there was growing frustration at the time it takes to confirm Ratcliffe's investment and the uncertainty it is causing over the future of staff currently at the center of the Department of Defense. soccer.
Meanwhile, a source has told ESPN that United were unhappy with referee Robert Jones' decision not to send off Fabian Schär in the defeat to Newcastle.
Ten Hag and captain Bruno Fernandes, according to a source, visited Jones in his room after the match to demand an explanation following a challenge on Fernandes by Schär in the second half.
